Karen Lee Loveland Thurman[3][4] (born January 12, 1951) is a former U.S. Representative from Florida, serving five consecutive terms from 1993 to 2003.

[5][6] She was born on January 12, 1951, in Rapid City, South Dakota, but has spent most of her life in Florida.

[3] They have two children, McLin (Macky) and Liberty Lee, and make their home in Dunnellon, Florida.

Thurman was first elected to public office in 1974, when she won a seat on the city council of Dunnellon, Florida, on which she served until 1983.

On Ways and Means she fought for lower prescription drugs, increased access to health insurance, and tax relief.

The new 5th contained much of the territory located in the State Senate district of that body's President Pro Tem, Ginny Brown-Waite.